Mommy Makeover, or mommy reconstruction, is a surgical procedure performed after childbirth to tighten and reshape the abdominal region’s muscles and improve the contour of the breasts. This surgery is designed to enhance the body’s appearance after giving birth.
The procedure aims to remove excess abdominal skin, tighten the abdominal muscles, and reshape the breasts into a more youthful and proportionate shape.
A typical Mommy Makeover involves the following surgeries:
- Breast lift
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
- Breast augmentation
- Labiaplasty (vulval surgery)
- Buttock augmentation
A Good Candidate for Mommy Makeover
You’re a good candidate if you have realistic expectations, have finished having children, and are at your ideal weight. Your general medical health should also be good before the Mommy Makeover surgery.
How Should You Prepare for the Mommy Makeover?
During Mommy Makeover preparations, it’s important to consider whether you want lab testing or medical examinations before your surgery. Your surgeon may give you complete medical exams, including blood work and lab tests, or they may only order the specific laboratory tests they need. Secondly, you may be instructed to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicines, and herbal supplements because they can cause excessive bleeding. You’ll also be advised to take specific medications or change your current medications.
Mommy Makeover Procedure Steps
Your Mommy Makeover will have the following steps:
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is the first step in this process. Mommy Makeover surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will be asleep and not experience anything during the operation. Your doctor will advise you on the best anesthetic option for you.
Surgical Procedures
The second step in a Mommy Makeover is the surgical procedure. Your surgeon will operate on you. As discussed before, you can have various operations, including vaginal rejuvenation, breast augmentation, liposuction, and more.
Recovery After the Mommy Makeover
Your surgeon will wrap or bandage your incisions after your Mommy Makeover operation. An elasticized bandage or supportive bra helps reduce swelling and support the breasts. Abdominal and buttocks swelling can also be controlled with a compression garment.
Recovery from a Mommy Makeover surgery differs from patient to patient and depends on the procedure. However, you will want assistance at home for the initial two to three weeks for duties such as preparing meals and cleaning due to your limited mobility.
Your surgeon will give you particular instructions for the healing process. The instructions may include the following:
- Medications that can be applied topically or taken orally to assist healing and lower the chance of infection
- Specific issues to watch out for at your surgical wound or in your overall health
- When to see your surgeon again.
- How to take care of your surgical area(s) after surgery
Your healing will go on for a couple of weeks as swelling diminishes and the appearance of the buttocks, breasts, belly, waist, and genitalia improves. Keep following your surgeon’s guidelines and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Mommy Makeover Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for the Mommy Makeover Surgery?
A Mommy Makeover can help any woman who is currently in good health, has a balanced body weight, has completed childbearing, and has reasonable expectations. Smokers must stop using nicotine products before having surgery. Weight changes and other childbirth considerably diminish the effects of a Mommy Makeover.
Are the results permanent?
A Mommy Makeover should produce long-lasting results. The fact that excess fat is permanently gone can help you keep your results longer as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s crucial to maintain consistency in your diet and exercise program because the process of aging will continue.
When can I resume work after a Mommy Makeover?
You might not recover the same way as other patients. Most patients are ready to resume everyday activities within one to two weeks, while some take approximately four weeks.
Why are the Mommy Makeover procedures combined?
You might save money on many surgeries by combining several remedial operations into one. A Mommy Makeover’s recovery period is shorter because everything is done simultaneously. Depending on the number of surgeries the patient wants or the surgeon recommends, a Mommy Makeover can be completed in two stages.
How painful is recovery after a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover entails extensive surgery on several body areas. Your level of discomfort will be influenced by how comprehensive your makeover was, the type of surgery you underwent, and your previous pain management techniques. Your skilled anesthetist will prescribe you some analgesics to lessen the anticipated discomfort. Additionally, ice packs, compression clothing, and relaxation will all assist in reducing the pain.
Can I sleep on my side after a Mommy Makeover?
It would help if you considered sleeping on your back for at least a month following your Mommy Makeover. To elevate yourself, you can lie on your side with cushions under your head.